I wanted to say my thanks to the people on this sub. I am a recovering workaholic who has burnt out multiple times at work and last year had a nervous breakdown over Christmas. I was working 14 hour days and still couldn't get everything finished (and was being warned about my performance over it).
I was not being paid for the overtime but was stockpiling so much of it that I knew I would never be able to take in lieu because so much always needed to be done (by me). My bosses would text me before I woke up in the mornings about urgent items that set me on edge before I'd even hit “brew” on the coffee maker.
I regained 50lbs from binge eating and drinking because I was so stressed out and didn't have time to exercise. I went back into debt ordering food from takeout places because I felt like I didn't have enough time to cook.
I truly, truly did not realize I was being exploited until I read other stories on here.
I have now refused to work more than my allotted time per week. If I am demanded to work overtime, I immediately book long weekends that are non-negotiable. I demanded a raise and staff to support me as I was clearly doing the work of multiple people. I noted that my cell phone is my personal contact line and is not for work related matters outside of my working hours.
I've started exercising again, made new friends and hobbies, and adopted a dog.
So thank you everyone.